Abuello Grillo vs. The World

Words aren’t needed when watching this animation convey water justice issues using universal languages of imagery and sound. This animation was created at The Animation Workshop by a group of animators from Bolivia, a French director, music from Bolivia, and others from Mexico and Germany. It features Abuello Grillo (or Grandmother Cricket). Her melodic voice causes the rain to fall filling rivers and feeding crops. One day on a trip away from the countryside, she is kidnapped. Her captors make her sing on stage while they fill water trucks to sell the water to villagers.

The ability of a wordless film to tell an intricate story reminds me we can communicate globally without language barriers. This film was able to make me remember many people in the Global South face extremely high water prices when companies purchase and sell municipal water, wonder about the legality of extracting massive amounts of water for bottled water sales, and inquire about the nuances of the definition of human right to water. What does it tell you?

I'm a human living in a global world. I'm trying to participate in a life where people have better access to basic needs and heart desires. I love water and sanitation. A few years ago, I started the Water for the Ages blog.

Sharing thoughts on water and sanitation on multiple scales. Brought to you on the Water for the Ages blog by Abigail Brown. Experienced water resources specialist. Interested water and sanitation citizen.

Past graduate student in the Water Resources Policy and Management Program at Oregon State University. Current graduate student in the Sociology Department at University of California Santa Cruz. Volunteer with PHLUSH (Public Hygiene Lets Us Stay Human).

All opinions expressed on Water for the Ages are only those of myself and not those of University of California Santa Cruz, PHLUSH, or any other person or organization. Thanks.